Cissna Park advances to state volleyball finals with semifinal win over Tremont

The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.

NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.

Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie Neukomm

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.

While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.

Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.

Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.

The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.

With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.

Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.

Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball

Dominance Defined: Mirkovic’s Monster Double-Double Leads Illinois Past Colgate

Illinois improved to 4-0 after beating Colgate behind a dominant double-double from David Mirkovic.

David Mirkovic graphic of defensive rebound

Illustration: Alan Look Photography

CHAMPAIGN - The Illinois men’s basketball team notched an 84-65 win over Colgate on Nov. 14, 2025, improving to 4-0 on the season. While the final score reflected a balanced team effort, forward David Mirkovic delivered the night’s defining performance, showcasing a level of interior dominance rarely seen in the college game.

Mirkovic controlled the paint and established himself as the premier player on the floor throughout his 38 minutes.

His final stat line underscored his efficiency and relentlessness. He finished with 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting and went 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. He also pulled down 21 rebounds, posting a massive double-double that neutralized Colgate’s interior presence.

Eight of his rebounds came on the offensive end, creating several second-chance opportunities that fueled Illinois’ scoring runs and wore down the Raiders’ defense. He added three assists, strengthening his impact as a complete offensive contributor.

The performance was a definitive statement, reinforcing his status as one of the Illini’s most reliable forces and a player capable of carrying the team through challenging stretches as Illinois continues its early-season momentum.

For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.

TAGS: David Mirkovic double-double Illinois vs Colgate basketball recap, Illinois Fighting Illini 4-0 start 2025 season game summary, Colgate Raiders vs Illinois dominant interior performance Mirkovic, Illinois basketball standout player stats David Mirkovic 2025, NCAA men’s basketball early season Illinois vs Colgate analysis

The Sentinel On This Day |
November 16

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 16 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Editor's pick ~

Cyberbullying more likely to make victim suicidal

As youth find their way in a digital age, the threat of online harassment continues to grow. A study earlier this year raises concerns that cyberbullying may be significantly more likely to influence suicidality.

Sentinel Article Archive for November 16

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November 15 Archives

November 17 Archives

Photo of the Day |
Spartans turn Vandals playoff hope upside down

SJO's Kodey McKinney breaks up a key Vandalia pass play

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Vandalia receiver Kohnor Depew is turned upside down after a hit by St. Joseph-Ogden's Kodey McKinney on a pass play late in the fourth quarter. The catch would have put the Vandals in a short field situation where they had been successful in scoring earlier in the Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game. The Spartans rallied back from a 21-17 first half deficit to defeat Vandalia and extend their playoff run. Next Saturday, the SJO hosts Unity, who beat Williamsville 42-7. The two programs last met in a semifinal game a decade ago.

TAGS: Kodey McKinney breaks up pass play, St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans advance to 3A semifinals, SJO wins home playoff game against Vandalia

Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold

The Saints opened strong with a 25-19 first-set win. Columbia responded by taking the next two sets. The runner-up finish capped a standout postseason for Central Catholic.

Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball for a kill

Photo: Alan Look Photography

Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball during the Saints' Class 2A state championship game against Columbia. The junior finished the three-set affair with a team-high 12 kills, seven digs and two aces.

by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine

NORMAL - The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints closed out a remarkable season on the state’s biggest stage, earning a runner-up finish in the IHSA Class 2A Girls Volleyball Tournament. While the final result — a three-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship match — may have stung in the moment, the team’s legacy is defined by the exceptional journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal.

Photo: Alan Look Photography

Saints' Josie Certa passes the ball to an outside hitter during Saturday's IHSA Class 2A title game.

The Saints’ dominant postseason run showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They played as a cohesive unit, displaying skill, balance and resilience throughout the state series. In the championship match, they came out strong, taking the first set 25-19 and dictating the early pace. Though Columbia rallied, the Saints’ numbers reflected their determination. They finished with 36 kills, led by Kampbell Niepagen’s 12. Setter Josie Certa powered the offense with 32 assists, distributing the ball with the precision and chemistry built over months of work.

For Central Catholic, the season was a testament to perseverance, consistency and belief. The 2023 Saints cemented their place among the state’s elite and set a new standard for the program. They returned home with silver medals, but the pride they brought to their school and community shone brighter than any hardware.

The championship stage is more than a showcase of athletic ability. It is where communities rally, memories are made and pride is forged. This Saints team will be remembered for its grit, its unity and the joy it brought to every match.

TAGS: Bloomington Central Catholic IHSA Class 2A volleyball championship recap, Columbia vs Central Catholic state title match three-set summary, Illinois high school volleyball 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic, Kampbell Niepagen and Josie Certa state championship performance stats, Central Catholic Saints postseason volleyball run 2023 analysis

IHSA football playoff quarterfinal scores from around the state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. JOSEPH - Spartans' Cameron Wagner is all smiles after St. Joseph-Ogden Wyatt Wertz scores the winning nail in the Vandalia coffin in their Class 3A quarterfinal game. SJO defeated the Vandals 38-24 at home on Saturday.

Illini Prairie Conference scores

St. Joseph-Ogden 38, Vandalia 24
Unity 42, Williamsville 7

Big Twelve Conference scores

Oak Forest 34, Peoria 20

Scores from around the state

CLASS 1A:

Stockton 26, Dwight 30, Clifton Central 0
Hardin Calhoun 28, Casey (Westfield) 21
Lena-Winslow 42, Kewanee Wethersfield 20
Mt. Sterling (Brown County) 37, Carrollton 13

CLASS 2A:

Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 42, Westville 35
Maroa-Forsyth 48, Flora 12
El Paso-Gridley 32, Farmington 15
Wilmington 49, Tri-Valley 7

CLASS 3A:

St. Joseph-Ogden 38, Vandalia 24
Unity 21, Williamsville 7
Richmond-Burton 31, Monmouth-Roseville 6
Byron 28, IC Catholic 6

CLASS 4A:

Montini 47, Coal City 0
Morris 28, Geneseo 26
Breese Central 36, Cahokia 12
Rochester 41, Sacred Heart-Griffin 35

CLASS 5A:

Belvidere North 17, Cary-Grove 10
Wheaton St. Francis 44, Chicago King 14
Providence Catholic 39, Washington 6
Oak Forest 34, Peoria 20

CLASS 6A:

Nazareth Academy 24, Lake Zurich 21
Fenwick 49, Burlington Central 21
East St. Louis 49, Simeon 0
St. Laurence 28, Dunlap 14

CLASS 7A:

Batavia 42, Glenbard North 27
Downers Grove North 28, Lincoln-Way West 10
St. Rita 56, Hersey 42
Brother Rice 42, St. Charles North 18

CLASS 8A:

Oswego 24, Maine South 21
Mt. Carmel 48, Lincoln-Way East 7
Lockport 35, Barrington 0
Fremd 34, Bolingbrook 33

TAGS: IHSA football quarterfinal scores, Mt. Carmel beats Lincoln-Way East, St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity win in 3A, Westville season ended by ALAH, East St. Louis Flyers blank Simeon in quarterfinal battle

Cissna Park advances to state volleyball finals with semifinal win over Tremont

Dominance Defined: Mirkovic’s Monster Double-Double Leads Illinois Past Colgate

The Sentinel On This Day |
November 16

Cyberbullying more likely to make victim suicidal

Sentinel Article Archive for November 16

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Photo of the Day |
Spartans turn Vandals playoff hope upside down

Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold

IHSA football playoff quarterfinal scores from around the state

Illini Prairie Conference scores

Big Twelve Conference scores